Tamper resistant mechanism for 15 and 20 amp electrical receptacles

Abstract

A tamper resistant shutter assembly for an electrical device includes a housing. A first shutter member is movably disposed in the housing between closed and open positions. A second shutter member is movably disposed in the housing between closed and open positions. A third shutter member is movably disposed in the housing between closed and open positions. The third shutter member is movable from the closed position to the open position by movement of the second shutter member from the closed position to the open position. A fourth shutter member is movably disposed in the housing between closed and open positions. The fourth shutter member is movable from the closed position to the open position by movement of the first shutter member from the closed position to the open position. A fifth shutter member is movably disposed in the housing between closed and open positions. The fifth shutter member is prevented from moving from the closed position to the open position when the fourth shutter member is in the closed position.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 039,943 to Baldwin et al. entitled “Electrical Cord with Tamper Resistant Mechanism” which was filed on Sep. 27, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 912,348 to Baldwin et al. entitled “Electrical Cord With Tamper Resistant Mechanism” which was filed on Jun. 7, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 482,101 to Baldwin et al. entitled “Electrical Cord With Tamper Resistent Mechanism” which was filed on May 29, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 274,934 to Baldwin et al. entitled “Electrical Cord with Tamper Resistent Mechanism”, which was filed on Oct. 17, 2011, which application was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 050,777 to Baldwin et al. entitled “Tamper Resistant Electrical Device”, which was filed on Mar. 17, 2011, which application claimed the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Effectively prevents access to electrical terminals by unauthorized objects, ensuring safety by allowing only authorized plugs to contact electrical contacts while maintaining operational simplicity and durability.

Problems solved by technology

Nevertheless, children in particular are susceptible to being shocked in the event that the child inserts a conductive object into an electrical receptacle opening.

Each of these attempts includes complex mechanisms which are unnecessary or difficult to manufacture.

Other attempts may be less complex, but are very cumbersome to operate or are inefficient.

Finally, some tamper resistant electrical devices wear out quickly and no longer protect the consumer, and particularly children, from electrical shock hazards.

Electrical cords have long been a danger when plugged into an active outlet.

Once the electrical cord is connected to an active receptacle, a child may be injured by inserting a conductive object into the opposite end of the electrical cord that is free.

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